Definition

Pronunciation: pun-cha-KAR-mah

Also spelled: Pancha Karma, Panch Karma

Five actions; the five purification therapies

About Panchakarma

Panchakarma is the five-fold purification therapy of Ayurveda, designed to remove deep-seated toxins (*ama*) and excess doshas from the body. The five procedures are: therapeutic vomiting (*vamana*), purgation (*virechana*), two types of enema (*basti*), and nasal administration (*nasya*).

Panchakarma is not casual detox - it is a supervised medical procedure requiring preparation (*purvakarma*) with oleation and sweating, the main procedures (*pradhanakarma*), and careful rejuvenation afterward (*paschatkarma*). It should only be performed under qualified supervision.

When properly administered, panchakarma provides deep cleansing that dietary changes alone cannot achieve. It is indicated for: chronic conditions, seasonal cleansing, preparation for rejuvenation therapy, and when doshas have accumulated in the deeper tissues. The specific procedures used depend on the individual's constitution and imbalance.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Panchakarma mean?

Five actions; the five purification therapies

Which tradition does Panchakarma come from?

Panchakarma is a key term in ayurveda.

How is Panchakarma used in practice?

Panchakarma is the five-fold purification therapy of Ayurveda, designed to remove deep-seated toxins (*ama*) and excess doshas from the body. The five procedures are: therapeutic vomiting (*vamana*), purgation (*virechana*), two types of enema (*basti*), and nasal administration (*nasya*).